DON’T MISS
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Lifestyle
Swiss news & articles
What drivers in Switzerland need to know about Italy's new diesel car ban
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

What drivers in Switzerland need to know about Italy's new diesel car ban

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

Pentecost weekend in Switzerland: What traffic and weather can we expect?Pentecost weekend in Switzerland: What traffic and weather can we expect?
Expat guide to travelling in Switzerland this EasterExpat guide to travelling in Switzerland this Easter
February 2025 in Switzerland: 11 important things expats need to knowFebruary 2025 in Switzerland: 11 important things expats need to know
Drivers told to brace for heavy traffic jams during the Swiss school holidaysDrivers told to brace for heavy traffic jams during the Swiss school holidays
December 2024: 12 important changes expats in Switzerland need to knowDecember 2024: 12 important changes expats in Switzerland need to know
November 2024: 11 changes expats in Switzerland need to know aboutNovember 2024: 11 changes expats in Switzerland need to know about
July 2024: 10 things people in Switzerland need to knowJuly 2024: 10 things people in Switzerland need to know
Swiss traffic forecast: Drivers to face major traffic jams during May holidaysSwiss traffic forecast: Drivers to face major traffic jams during May holidays
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
May 16, 2025
Jan de Boer

Editor at IamExpat Media

Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016. While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more

Holidaymakers from Switzerland, be warned: several Italian provinces will be banning a range of diesel-powered cars this year. Various models from top brands will be affected, and drivers who break the new rules will be heavily fined.

Italian provinces to impose new ban on diesel cars

In a bid to improve air quality and reduce pollution, from this autumn, four Italian provinces will be banning certain diesel cars. Crucially, this ban will apply to both Italian vehicles and those registered elsewhere.

This is expected to have a major impact on Switzerland, as not only is Italy one of the country’s neighbours, but it is also one of the favourite holiday destinations for residents. With this in mind, here’s what you need to know about the ban:

Which diesel cars will be banned?

The Italian diesel ban will affect all vehicles which are in the Euro 1 to 5 categories for emissions standards. Typically, these are vehicles registered between 1992 and 2014, and include all major brands, from VW and Renault to BMW and Toyota. Be sure to check whether your car fits these standards before you head across the border.

Where and when will the ban on diesel cars apply?

The ban itself will be in place in four Italian provinces, with each having slightly different start dates and rules.

Most importantly for Switzerland, Lombardy will apply the diesel driving ban from October 1, 2025. Unlike other provinces, this ban will be permanent and run year-round. The restrictions will apply between 8.30am and 6.30pm from Monday to Friday in all municipalities with over 30.000 inhabitants. This includes Milan, Varese and Lecco, among others.

In Piedmont, the restrictions will only apply from October 1, 2025 until April 15, 2026. In subsequent years, the restrictions will run from September 15 to April 15. The ban will run from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm and apply to towns with over 30.000 residents. These include Turin, Novara and many others.

In the province of Emilia-Romagna, Euro 1 to 5 diesel cars will be permanently banned from cities with over 30.000 residents on October 1. Finally, the province of Veneto (Venice) will not permit these cars to run in its major cities from the beginning of October.

What happens if I break the new rules?

Any driver caught breaking the new rules will be issued a fine by the police, equivalent to 150 Swiss francs. Repeated violations of the rules can even see the emergency services suspend your driving licence for up to 30 days.

By Jan de Boer

Paolo Bona / Shutterstock.com